2012: A Year in Review for MS Research
The year 2012 was one of advancement for multiple sclerosis (MS). Here are highlights of some of the latest research findings in MS:
- The FDA approved the use of oral Aubagio, a once-daily pill for relapsing forms of MS. The drug became available in October.
- The FDA is considering approval of BG-12, an oral therapy for treating relapsing MS, and alemtuzumab, given via IV infusions for treatment of relapsing MS.
- Harvard researchers found that genes detectable in blood can be used to predict the disease course of MS and response to therapy.
- An immune response to a protein called KIR4.1 was observed in the serum of 47 percent of people with MS.
- The newly formed International Progressive MS Collaborative published a paper outlining challenges and identifying research priorities to stop MS progression.
- A 24-week stress management program reduced disease activity in a study at Northwestern University, although the benefits dwindled after completion of weekly in-person stress management sessions.
- Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, showed that fibrinogen, a blood-clotting protein might play a role in triggering inflammation that damages nerve fibers in a mouse model of MS.
Source: National Multiple Sclerosis Society